Both sides wasted numerous chances in the first half before Nguyễn Trung Nam opened the score just minutes before the interval.

The goal advantage galvanised them into coming out stronger in the second half and they scored a double through Phan Khắc Chí and Trần Văn Thành.

Chí was denied his second goal with four minutes remaining when goalkeeper Chiang Yung-hsuan stepped out quickly to save the low effort.

Sanna Khánh Hòa moved to the top of the Group D standings with three points.

Taipower also had their opportunities but Hung Kai-chun saw his low effort rebound back off the post. Soon after, Lin Chien-Hsun was presented with a golden opportunity, but was thwarted by outrushing keeper Nguyễn Đình Ý Hòa.

“It was a difficult match for both teams who all played well today. After the first goal we started to play better,” Sanna Khánh Hòa coach Đặng Đình Khang said.

“We are competing for the first time in the tournament and we had no information about our rivals, so we tried to play a defensive game. My players did very well although they made some mistakes,” he said.

“In the next match against Al-Sadd, who are a strong team, we have to try harder. If we get to the next round no opponent will be easy – all the teams are strong,” he said.

Their second match is tomorrow.

On the other side, Taipower coach Chen Kuei-Jen said the first half was okay for his team but the second was not that good as his players’ energy was low. They were less experienced and did not take chances.

They will meet Al-Sadd today, and Chen said Taipower would concentrate on defence and counter-attack. They would fight to win.

The two top teams of the group will advance to the quarter-finals.

After their win, Sanna Khánh Hòa have ensured a berth into the next round. — VNS